Earlier this month, as part of MLS WORKS sixth-annual Greener Goals initiative, FC Cincinnati partnered with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Living Lands & Waters for a clean-up of the Ohio River. The clean-up was part of a tie-in with the club’s 2023 primary River Kit, which pays tribute to the city’s beloved river.
More than 60 volunteers boarded watercrafts or walked along the land to remove litter from the riverbank, including Zoo and FC Cincinnati front office staff, alongside FCC goalkeeper Evan Louro and defender Joey Akpunonu.
“Every person who lives, works and plays in the Ohio River Valley, and of course this region’s diverse wildlife, are connected to the river,” said Kate Solomon, SVP of Fan & Community Engagement and Executive Director of the FC Cincinnati Foundation. “Partnering with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Living Lands & Waters allowed us to help keep the Ohio River healthy and clean for everyone while proudly participating in MLS Works’ Greener Goals initiative.”
The volunteers removed a substantial 4,153 pounds of trash from the banks of the Ohio River, which included 177 pounds of plastic, 16.5 tires, four propane tanks and a refrigerator.
MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s social responsibility platform, on Monday kicked off its sixth-annual Greener Goals Week of Service which highlights the League’s commitment to environmental sustainability, including efforts around waste reduction. Earth Day matches on April 22-23 will raise awareness surrounding sustainability and highlight how the MLS soccer community is addressing environmental impact.
As part of Greener Goals Week of Service, MLS and its clubs will join forces with adidas to promote ocean plastic waste recovery. In partnership with nonprofit Parley for the Oceans, MLS and adidas are developing an immersive educational experience dedicated to the understanding of marine environments and the co-creation of plastic waste solutions called the Parley Ocean School. More details will be shared at a later date.
